Butura Youth, a socio Cultural youth group in Bokkos LGA, has called on the Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang to rescind his earlier decision and reinstate with immediate effect the recently sacked Vice Chancellor of the state owned University in Bokkos, Prof. Matur, Bernard Malau.
In a press statement signed by President and secretary of the youth group, Marshal Sule and Tabai Mahanan Kawai and issued to Journalists in Jos, the group described the vice Chancellor’s removal as vindictive.
The statement read that “It is with deep concern and dismay that we, the youths of Butura, the host community of the Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, address the recent removal of our very own, Prof. Matur, Bernard Malau as the Vice Chancellor of the University.”
They noted that the action, purportedly initiated by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang as conveyed through a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the State on various social media platforms, has sparked widespread apprehension and disapproval.
Adding that for clarity and adherence to due process, it is imperative to reference the legal framework governing the removal of a Vice Chancellor as stipulated in Section 3(8)-(11) of the Principal Act, duly amended.
“This provision vests the authority to remove the Vice Chancellor in the Governing Council, subject to specific grounds such as gross misconduct or incapacity to fulfill the duties of the office.
“Importantly, the process outlined mandates a fair and transparent procedure, including the constitution of a Joint Committee of Council and Senate to investigate allegations and provide a platform for the accused to defend themselves. Any decision reached by the Council is subject to appeal to the Visitor, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
“None of these procedures were followed in removing Professor Matur as Vice Chancellor, and no reason was given except for what we have independently gathered to be connected to political differences.
They went down memory lane to discussed his achievements which has created a conducive learning environment and promoted academic excellence in the university.
“In light of these achievements and the adherence to legal protocols governing the removal of a Vice Chancellor, the recent decision to remove Prof. Bernard Matur from office is not only unjust but also poses a threat to the stability and progress of PLASU. It is evident that this action is motivated by factors beyond the scope of academic merit and institutional integrity.
“Therefore, we, the youths of Butura, the University’s host community, demand the immediate reinstatement of Prof. Bernard Matur as Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos. We stand in solidarity with Prof. Matur and affirm our commitment to upholding the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the pursuit of excellence in higher education. And as enlightened members of the host community, we will not fold our arms and watch injustice being perpetrated on our land against anybody, much less our very own community member.
“Failure to comply with this demand within 48 hours will compel us to take drastic actions. This university has suffered enough retardation since its establishment and cannot afford another stalemate under Governor Caleb Mutfwang who himself a lawyer should be better aware of the implications of such senseless, politically motivated disregard for rule of law and the wishes of the masses.” Parts of the statement read.
Reacting to the statement of the Butura Youths through a telephone call, the Director of Press Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Gyang Bere said the VC was suspended for the government to restructure the institution.
“The VC is suspended at the moment and the government is working on how to restructure tertiary institutions in the state to meet the demands and create a conducive atmosphere of learning. So the VC is suspended and further directive would be made” he said.
It could be recalled that on Monday the 5th of February, 2024, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau, Arch. Samuel Jatau in a memo announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos and the removal of heads of tertiary institutions.
“His Excellency the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb M. Mutfwang has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos with immediate effect. Similarly, the Governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of Tertiary institutions.”
The tertiary institutions are: Plateau State University, Bokkos, Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, College of Education, Gindiri, College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin.
The statement further noted that all the affected heads should take notes and handover any Government property in their possessions to the next most senior officer of the Institutions immediate.
On Wednesday, 7th February, 2024, another memo was issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arch. Samuel Jatau of the temporary appointments of a new Vice Chancellor for the State University, Bokkos and other tertiary institutions in the state.